A surgical technique that uses electrical current to heat tissue, causing coagulation or tissue destruction. It is used to cut tissue, stop bleeding, and remove unwanted growths during surgical procedures.
From Greek 'elektron' meaning amber (source of electricity) and 'kauterion' meaning branding iron. The combination reflects the use of electrical energy to create the heat traditionally produced by hot metal instruments.
Electrocautery revolutionized surgery by solving one of medicine's oldest challenges - controlling bleeding during operations. The technique generates temperatures up to 1000°C at the tissue level, instantly sealing blood vessels while cutting, making many previously impossible surgeries routine!
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